Kristiāns Pelšs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kristiāns Pelšs |
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| Born | 9 September 1992 Preiļi, Latvia |
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| Died | 11 June 2013 (aged 20) Riga, Latvia |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb) | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | DHK Latgale Oklahoma City Barons |
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| NHL Draft | 181st overall, 2010 Edmonton Oilers |
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| Playing career | 2008–2013 | ||
Kristiāns Pelšs (born September 9, 1992 – died June 11, 2013) was a talented ice hockey player from Latvia. He was the son of a poet and translator, Einārs Pelšs. When he passed away, he was playing for the Oklahoma City Barons in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was also a promising young player for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Contents
Kristiāns Pelšs: His Hockey Journey
Starting Out in Europe
Kristiāns Pelšs began his professional hockey career in Europe. He played for DHK Latgale in the Belarusian Extraleague during the 2008-09 season. This was his first time playing in a top league.
Moving to North America
In 2010, Kristiāns was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. This meant the Oilers saw potential in him for their future team. After being drafted, he moved to North America. He joined the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Playing for His Country
Kristiāns also proudly represented his home country. He played for the Latvia men's national junior ice hockey team. He was part of the team at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Signing with the Oilers
On May 1, 2012, Kristiāns Pelšs signed a three-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. This was a big step in his career. It showed that the Oilers believed he could play for their main team in the future.
A Tragic Loss
On June 11, 2013, Kristiāns Pelšs passed away in a tragic accident. He died in the Daugava River in Riga, Latvia, near the Stone Bridge. His death was confirmed to be accidental.
Kristians Pelss Memorial Award
To honor Kristiāns, the Edmonton Oil Kings created an award in his name. The Kristians Pelss Memorial Award is given to the player who best shows the qualities that Kristiāns had.
International Achievements
| Medal record | ||
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Representing  Latvia |
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| Ice hockey | ||
| IIHF World U18 Championship | ||
| Gold | 2009 Italy | Division I Group B |
| World Junior Ice Hockey Championships | ||
| Gold | 2011 Belarus | Division I Group A |
See also
- List of ice hockey players who died during their playing career
